Systems Engineer

Description

The company needs a systems engineer in Springfield, Virginia to support mission-critical systems and operations.

The role provides systems engineering and integration support in complex operational environments. You will be the main technical link between software development teams, government customers, SETA representatives, and 24x7 mission operations staff.

Strong problem-solving, an understanding of software development and integration, and the ability to coordinate engineering work on your own while limiting disruption to ongoing missions are central to the job.

The work covers mission-critical operations at geographically separated locations and delivers specialized communications capabilities to users worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate software development, integration, testing, and deployment across several development teams and operational environments.
• Act as the main technical contact for developers, government customers, SETA representatives, Tier 1 operators, Tier 2 maintainers, and other mission stakeholders.
• Review, schedule, and deconflict software deliveries, system maintenance, and engineering work so that operations are disrupted as little as possible and mission continuity holds.
• Check system readiness before software deliveries, identify technical risks and dependencies, and brief customer leadership before major integration and deployment milestones.
• Look into operational anomalies, assess system behavior, coordinate troubleshooting with developers and maintainers, and follow issues until they are resolved.
• Analyze system performance, operational metrics, incident trends, and recurring problems, then recommend changes that improve reliability and mission effectiveness.
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and ad hoc technical reports covering performance, engineering status, operational readiness, and risk.
• Review technical documents, release notes, test results, and operating procedures for accuracy and readiness to implement.
• Track, rank, and coordinate discrepancies, enhancement requests, configuration changes, and technical issues across engineering and development groups.
• Build and present the monthly Program Management Review (PMR) content, covering accomplishments, technical progress, operational impacts, and risks.
• Write, review, and maintain operational and engineering guidance for internal teams and mission partners.
• Help with operational troubleshooting and anomaly resolution, including occasional after-hours coordination and escalation when mission needs require it.
• Work with teams at geographically separated sites to improve engineering processes, reliability, operational efficiency, and mission execution.

Requirements

• Required:
• Hold an active TS/SCI clearance with at least a CI polygraph.
• Have a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, information technology, or a related technical field plus 3+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent applicable experience.
• Have hands-on experience in systems engineering, systems integration, software integration, or technical engineering support in a complex operational setting.
• Have worked on software development, integration, testing, deployment, or sustainment activities.
• Have coordinated technical work across software development teams, engineering organizations, government customers, and operational stakeholders.
• Be able to investigate technical problems, judge operational impact, coordinate troubleshooting, and explain findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Have a working understanding of IT infrastructure, including operating systems, networking, databases, virtualization, and software applications.
• Have experience with configuration management, change management, issue tracking, and software release processes.
• Be well organized and manage your time well, handling several engineering activities and priorities at once without close supervision.
• Communicate clearly in writing and speech, including preparing technical documentation, status reports, and briefings.
• Work effectively in a mission-focused operational setting where customer priorities and technical requirements shift.
• Be willing to support occasional after-hours operational anomalies and mission-critical activities when required.
• Desired:
• Have prior experience with NRO, NGA, or other intelligence community mission systems.
• Know the NRO System Integration Standards (NSIS), including engineering milestones, integration activities, technical reviews, and related documentation.
• Have supported 24x7 mission operations or other high-availability operational environments.
• Have coordinated software releases, integration testing, operational acceptance, and system readiness assessments.
• Have worked directly with software developers to investigate defects, evaluate system behavior, and agree on technical fixes.
• Have used SQL to query databases, analyze operational data, troubleshoot issues, or produce technical reports.
• Have written or changed Python scripts for data analysis, automation, troubleshooting, or operational reporting.
• Have worked with data analytics, trend analysis, performance metrics, and technical reporting.
• Have built or maintained Excel VBA macros or other tools that automate reporting and data processing.
• Know Agile software development practices, Jira, Confluence, and other engineering collaboration tools.
• Have worked with systems engineering processes, requirements management, interface analysis, verification and validation, and operational test and evaluation.

Conditions

Full-time, regular position with no travel required.

Minimum clearance to start is TS/SCI with polygraph.

The proposed salary range is $79,400 - $162,700.

Final salary depends on factors such as location, Federal Government contract labor categories and wage rates, relevant prior experience, specific skills, education, and certifications.

Benefits

• Flexible time off that lets you take the time you need.
• Access to learning resources to support your career goals.
• Comprehensive benefits including healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off.
• Competitive compensation and learning and development opportunities.